Chapter 8 · Chemistry
Why Carbon Forms Millions of Compounds
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Over 100 elements, yet most known compounds contain carbon. Four reasons, and why silicon can't do the same.
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Shapes of Carbon Compounds: sp³, sp², spMethane, ethene and ethyne all contain carbon but have different shapes. Hybridisation, and a quick way to find it.Chemistry · simulation
Key points
- 4 bonds: one carbon atom can grow in 4 directions.
- Strong C–C bonds (about 350 kJ/mol) make long chains stable; Si–Si bonds (about 225 kJ/mol) are weaker.
- Bond variety: single, double and triple bonds, and easy bonds to O, N and halogens.
- Isomers: C₄H₁₀ has 2, C₅H₁₂ has 3, C₁₀H₂₂ has 75, and C₂₀H₄₂ has 366,319.
Isomers of alkanes
| Formula | Structural isomers |
|---|---|
| C₄H₁₀ | 2 |
| C₅H₁₂ | 3 |
| C₁₀H₂₂ | 75 |
| C₂₀H₄₂ | 366,319 |
Quick quiz
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